Welcome to the New Orleans Hornets Mailbag. Questions addressed this week include should the Hornets go after another backup center, has rookie Quincy Pondexter made the necessary improvement going into the halfway point and should the team trade David West since he can possibly opt of his contract this summer.

Susan Poag/The Times-PicayuneChris Paul has his son's birthday on his wrist band.

You can always submit your questions to hornetsmailbag@timespicayune.com and please include your name and the city you reside.

Q: I was at the Hornets-Nuggets game and got a rubber wristband from Paul. I was wondering what the 5-24-09 meant on it?

Q: The Carmelo Anthony trade supposedly involves Johan Petro of the Nets. Yet, Denver does not want the 24-year-old big man. Do you think the Hornets need to get in onthis trade just to pickup Petro, who could be a more decent backup to Okaforthan Grey?

Darius, New Orleans

A: I think the weakest area involving the Hornets’ bench is at the center spot. D.J. Mbenga and Aaron Gray both have struggled to make an impact this season.

But I don’t think the Hornets will explore trying to land another center at this point because Jason Smith can play that position, too. Also, starter Emeka Okafor has performed well enough to warrant increased minutes.

Q: What do you think of Quincy Pondexter performance in 2010 ? What kind of player can he become? He was a good scorer when he was playing for the Washington Huskies.

Arden, Paris

A: I think Quincy Pondexter has emerged on schedule and continues to get increased minutes. He worked hard to develop a perimeter shot and has emerged as a quality defender.

Pondexter is a humble rookie that appreciates being in the NBA and knows it takes significant work to develop. The Hornets made a good choice picking him up in a draft night trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Q: Concerning David West, I understand that he can opt out of the final year of his contract and enter free agency after this season. With that in mind should the Hornets considering making a trade West before the deadline or risk losing him after this season and getting nothing in return?

Christian, Brisbane, Australia

A: Before the regular season began, David West said he was going to hold off negotiations for an extension until after the season.

It makes the most sense for the Hornets to try and pursue re-signing him, but the question is whether West wants to return.

With a potential lockout occurring this summer, there is so much uncertainty about how future contracts will be structured. If West does not opt out, he is schedule to make $7.5 million next season.